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  • Liberia
Women carrying water from the river in bowls on their heads.

Liberia

Over 60% of the population live below the poverty line. Without safe water, Liberians will be unable to take their first essential step out of poverty.

people in Liberia don't have access to safe water. This is almost a third of the population.

Over 3 million people don't have access to adequate sanitation in Liberia, over four fifths of the population.

Over 1,000 children die every year from diarrhoea caused by unsafe water and poor sanitation in Liberia.

Although Liberia emerged from a long and violent civil war in 2003, the country is still being rebuilt and many live in poverty. However, there is strong political will to bring safe water and basic toilets to the millions living without.

The crisis

Following decades of civil war, Liberia is held back by widespread corruption, unemployment and poor services. Even the capital Monrovia still lacks electricity and running water.

The scale of the sanitation crisis is even more shocking, with more than 80% of the population lacking access to a decent toilet. Without these essentials, many Liberians do not have the good health or time for education or to be able to work to support their families.

The country's president, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, is a strong advocate for water, sanitation and hygiene. She is an ambassador for WaterAid at the highest level, spreading awareness of our work across Liberia and beyond.

Our approach

WaterAid is working with local partners to provide access to safe water and toilets in remote communities across Liberia. These basic services are the building blocks for health, education and livelihoods.

We will focus on reaching women and girls who have to face long and dangerous journeys to find water or a place to go to the toilet. We will ensure facilities are accessible to all, including those with disabilities.

We aim to support civil society organisations in holding the Government to account. This will involve giving local people a voice and ensuring regular dialogue between communities and decision-makers.

Our impact

Our global impact >

In Liberia last year we reached:

  • 6,000 people with safe water
  • 7,000 people with improved sanitation.
Watch this short film to find out more:
A group surround a hand pump, some watch, other man the pump, while others collect water flowing from the tap.